Baby Wrap and Method of Use

ABSTRACT

A wrap for an infant is provided. The wrap includes a first part configured as a loop having a through opening. A second part attached with the first part to seal off a portion of the opening and form a pouch configured to receive a bottom half of an infant. A portion of the first part includes an elastic band configured for disposal adjacent a top of a diaper. A system for dressing and infant is also disclosed, including an overlay tucking layer and a loop part. Systems and methods are disclosed.

BACKGROUND

This application claims priority to U.S. Non-Provisional Application No.16/825,405, filed Mar. 20, 2020, which application claims priority toU.S. Provisional Application No. 62/821,760, filed May 28, 2019, and toU.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/832,534, filed Apr. 11, 2019,each entitled “Baby Wrap and Method of Use,” and the disclosures of eachof which are incorporated by reference herein.

Swaddling, which is wrapping or binding around an infant, hastraditionally been practiced using a blanket or strips of cloth whichare tightly wrapped around the infant. Swaddling an infant has beenshown to increase sleep duration with fewer awakenings. The wrap helpscalm the infant and prevents the infant from being awakened. The wrapmay be made of cotton fabric stretchy material and may be attached tothe infant without the use of added fasteners.

In one embodiment, a wrap for an infant is provided. The wrap includes afirst part configured as a loop having a through opening. A second partattached with the first part to seal off a portion of the opening andform a pouch configured to receive a bottom half of an infant. A portionof the first part including an elastic band configured for disposaladjacent a top of a diaper. Systems and methods are disclosed.

In some embodiments, a method for wrapping a baby is provided. Themethod includes the steps of: providing a wrap having a first partconfigured as a loop having a through opening and a top portion with aseam; a second part attached with the first part to seal off a portionof the opening and form a pouch; and a portion of the first partincluding an elastic band; positioning the wrap with the elastic bandtowards the infant; positioning the seam adjacent a head of the infant;placing the top portion over the head of the infant such that the headis placed through the opening; positioning the top portion behind a neckof the infant; pulling the wrap down over legs of the infant; andpulling the elastic band around feet of the infant and adjacent to a topwaist band of a diaper such that a bottom half of the infant ispositioned in the pouch.

In some embodiments, the method of wrapping an infant includes the stepsof: providing a wrap having a first part configured as a loop having athrough opening and a top portion with a seam; a second part attachedwith the first part to seal off a portion of the opening and form apouch and a second opening within the pouch; and a portion of the firstpart including an elastic band; positioning the wrap with the elasticband towards the infant; positioning the seam adjacent a head of theinfant; placing the top portion over the head of the infant such thatthe head is placed through the opening; positioning the top portionbehind a neck of the infant; pulling the wrap down over legs of theinfant; pulling the elastic band around feet of the infant and adjacentto a top waist band of a diaper; and pulling the legs of the infantthrough the second opening.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention,and, together with the general description of the invention given above,and the detailed description of the embodiments given below, serve toexplain the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the components of one embodiment of thewrap in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the components of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the components of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the components of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 5 is a sewing pattern of the wrap in accordance with the principlesof the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the components of one embodiment of thewrap in accordance with the principles of the present disclosuredisposed with an infant;

FIG. 7 is a side view of the components of one embodiment of the wrap inaccordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the components of FIG. 7 ;

FIG. 9 is a sewing pattern of the wrap in accordance with the principlesof the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the components of one embodiment of thewrap in accordance with the principles of the present disclosuredisposed with an infant;

FIG. 11 is a top view of the components of one embodiment of the wrap inaccordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a top view of the components of one embodiment of the wrap inaccordance with the principles of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the components of one embodiment of thewrap in accordance with the principles of the present disclosuredisposed with an infant.

The drawings are not intended to be limiting in any way, and it iscontemplated that various embodiments of the invention may be carriedout in a variety of other ways, including those not necessarily depictedin the drawings. The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming apart of the specification illustrate several aspects of the presentinvention, and together with the description serve to explain theprinciples of the invention; it being understood, however, that thisinvention is not limited to the precise arrangements shown.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description of certain examples of the invention shouldnot be used to limit the scope of the present invention. Other examples,features, aspects, embodiments, and advantages of the invention willbecome apparent to those skilled in the art from the followingdescription, which is by way of illustration, one of the best modescontemplated for carrying out the invention. As will be realized, theinvention is capable of other different and obvious aspects, all withoutdeparting from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptionsshould be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

For clarity of disclosure, to the extent that spatial terms such as“top,” “bottom,” “upper,” “lower,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” or the likeare used herein with reference to the drawings, it will be appreciatedthat such terms are used for exemplary description purposes only and arenot intended to be limiting or absolute. In that regard, devices such asthose disclosed herein may be used in a variety of orientations andpositions not limited to those shown and described herein.

Furthermore, the terms “about,” “approximately,” and the like as usedherein in connection with any numerical values or ranges of values areintended to encompass the exact value(s) referenced as well as asuitable tolerance that enables the referenced feature or combination offeatures to function for the intended purpose described herein.

It should be understood that any one or more of the teachings,expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. described herein may becombined with any one or more of the other teachings, expressions,embodiments, examples, etc. that are described herein. Theabove-described teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc.should therefore not be viewed in isolation relative to each other.Various suitable ways in which the teachings herein may be combined willbe readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of theteachings herein. Such modifications and variations are intended to beincluded within the scope of the claims.

It should also be appreciated that any patent, publication, or otherdisclosure material, in whole or in part, that is said to beincorporated by reference herein is incorporated herein only to theextent that the incorporated material does not conflict with existingdefinitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth in thisdisclosure. As such, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure asexplicitly set forth herein supersedes any conflicting materialincorporated herein by reference. Any material, or portion thereof, thatis said to be incorporated by reference herein, but which conflicts withexisting definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forthherein will only be incorporated to the extent that no conflict arisesbetween that incorporated material and the existing disclosure material.

Having shown and described various embodiments of the present invention,further adaptations of the methods and systems described herein may beaccomplished by appropriate modifications by one of ordinary skill inthe art without departing from the scope of the present invention.Several such potential modifications have been mentioned, and otherswill be apparent to those skilled in the art. For instance, theexamples, embodiments, geometrics, materials, dimensions, ratios, steps,and the like discussed above are illustrative and are not required.Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be considered interms of the following claims and is understood not to be limited to thedetails of structure and operation shown and described in thespecification and drawings.

The described features, structures, or characteristics of the inventionmay be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Inthe following description, numerous specific details are included toprovide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. Oneskilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the inventioncan be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or withother methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances,well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown ordescribed in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.

In one embodiment, a wrap system is configured as an under wrappinglayer. The wrap slides over the head, then around the torso, holding thebaby in a round position. In some embodiments, the wrap system enclosesthe feet. In some embodiments, the wrap system allows the feet to beexposed. In some embodiments, the wrap system includes an overlaytucking layer and a loop part. In some embodiments, the wrap systemincludes an elongated part configured to wrap multiple times around theinfant. In some embodiments, the elongated part is 16 inches by 60inches. In some embodiments a second part, for example, a loop part isconfigured for disposal over the elongated part to hold the elongatedpart in place. In some embodiments, the wrap system includes a tubularportion configured for placement over the infant such that the torso andarms are positioned within the tubular part. A loop portion is placedover the infant's head and stretched under the legs to hold the legs inplace.

The system of the present disclosure may be understood more readily byreference to the following detailed description of the embodiments takenin connection with the accompanying drawing figures, which form a partof this disclosure. It is to be understood that this application is notlimited to the specific devices, methods, conditions, or parametersdescribed and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein isfor the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of exampleonly and is not intended to be limiting. In some embodiments, as used inthe specification and including the appended claims, the singular forms“a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference to a particularnumerical value includes at least that particular value, unless thecontext clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein asfrom “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to “about”or “approximately” another particular value. When such a range isexpressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular valueand/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values areexpressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it willbe understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. It isalso understood that all spatial references, such as, for example,horizontal, vertical, top, upper, lower, bottom, left, and right are forillustrative purposes only and can be varied within the scope of thedisclosure. For example, the references “upper” and “lower” are relativeand used only in the context of the other and are not necessarily“superior” and “inferior.”

The following discussion includes a description of an infant wrap inaccordance with the principles of the present disclosure. Alternateembodiments are also disclosed. Reference is made in detail to theexemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, which are illustratedin the accompanying figures. Turning to FIGS. 1-13 , there areillustrated components of a wrap, for example, a wrap system 10. Wrapsystem 10 is configured to swaddle an infant I, as described herein.

As shown in FIGS. 1-6 , wrap system 10 includes a fabric part 12 and afabric part 14, as shown in the sewing pattern in FIG. 5 . Part 12includes a loop shape, as shown in FIG. 2 . Part 12 includes a topportion 20 and a bottom portion 22. Top portion 20 includes indicia, forexample, a seam 24 configured to assist the user in aligning swaddle 15properly with a head of infant I.

Part 14 is attached, for example, by sewing to part 12 to form a swaddle15. In some embodiments, part 14 is attached with part 12 by othermechanisms, for example, gluing, Velcro®, snaps, buttons, or otherattachment means. Part 12 and/or part 14 are made from stretchablefabric having the ability to stretch, for example, stretch cotton cloth,Lycra®, Spandex®, elastane, or knit fabrics which stretch due to theproduction method of looping.

Attachment of part 14 to part 12 forms a pouch 16 and an opening 18.Pouch 16 is configured to fit a body of infant I. Opening 18 isconfigured for placement of a head of infant I. In some embodiments, thecircumference of part 12 forming opening 18 includes a pull stringconfigured to adjust the fit around the neck of infant I. In someembodiments, part 12 includes a hood configured for placement on thehead of infant I.

Part 12 includes an elastic band 30 along a back portion 32 of wrapsystem 10. In some embodiments, elastic band 30 can include braidedelastic, knitted elastic, cotton elastic, latex free elastic, nylonelastic, or polyester elastic. Elastic band 30 is configured forpositioning adjacent the waistband of a diaper. Elastic band 30facilities forming a snug fit around infant I. In some embodiments,another device can be utilized to tighten wrap system 10, for example, apull string, a pull cord, buttons, snaps, or Velcro®.

In use, swaddle 15 is positioned such that elastic band 30 is towardsinfant I. The user positions seam 24 adjacent the head of infant I andplaces it over the head of infant I and through opening 18. Top portion20 is positioned behind a neck of infant I. Elastic band 32 is pulleddown over legs of infant I and over the feet of infant I, and elasticband 30 is pulled up along a backside of infant I for positioningadjacent the waist band of the diaper such that a bottom half of infantI is positioned in pouch 16, as shown in FIG. 6 .

When infant I is positioned within wrap system 10, infant I is containedsuch that the legs are folded against the body, and the arms are foldedsuch that the hands are positioned towards the head. This position makesinfant I feel like they are in the womb and more comfortable and lessstressed, compared to current swaddle systems that compress the armslengthwise against the body and restrict the legs is a straightposition. In addition, use of wrap system 10 allows infant Ito be placedwithin a car seat or baby swing without interfering with straps or beltsdesigned to safely retain infant I.

In some embodiments, wrap system 100, similar to wrap system 10 asdescribed herein, includes a fabric part 112 and a fabric part 114, asshown in the sewing pattern in FIG. 9 . Part 112 includes a loop shape,as shown in FIG. 7 . Part 112 includes a top portion 120 and a bottomportion 122. Top portion 120 includes a seam 124 configured to assistthe user in aligning swaddle 115 properly with a head of infant I, asdescribed herein.

Part 114 is attached, for example, by sewing to part 112 to form aswaddle 115, as described herein. Attachment of part 114 to part 112forms a pouch 116, an opening 118, and an opening 150, as shown in FIG.7 . Pouch 116 is configured to fit a body of infant I. Opening 118 isconfigured for placement of a head of infant I. Opening 150 isconfigured for placement of the legs of infant I. Part 112 includes anelastic band 130 along a back portion 132 of wrap system 110, asdescribed herein.

In use, swaddle 115 is positioned such that elastic band 130 is towardsinfant I. The user positions seam 124 adjacent the head of infant I andis then placed over the head of infant I. The head of infant I is placedthrough opening 118. Top portion 120 is positioned behind the neck ofinfant I. Elastic band 130 is pulled down over the legs of infant I andover the feet of infant I, and pulled up along a backside of infant Ifor positioning adjacent the waist band of the diaper such that a bottomhalf of infant I is positioned in pouch 116. The legs are pulled throughopening 150, as shown in FIG. 10 .

In some embodiments, wrap system 200, similar to wrap system 10,includes an overlay part 202 and a second layer 204, as shown in FIGS.11-13 . Overlay part 202 includes a flat layer, as shown in FIG. 12 . Insome embodiments, overlay part 202 includes dimensions of approximately15 inches by 15 inches. However, other dimensions may be utilized. Insome embodiments, overlay part 202 may include decorations or be plain.In some embodiments, a top portion 206 includes a cutout, for example anotch 208. Notch 208 is configured to facilitate overlay part 202 lyingflat against a neck and beneath the chin of infant I, as shown in FIG.12 .

Part 204 is similar to part 12, as described herein. Part 204 includes atop portion 220 and a bottom portion 222. In some embodiments, part 204includes a dimension of approximately 20 inches wide by 6 inches inlength. However, other dimensions may be utilized. In some embodiments,part 204 is configured to stretch horizontally about infant I.

In use, part 202 is laid across infant I with notch 208 positionedbeneath the chin of infant I. Overlay part 202 is tucked underneathinfant I, as shown in FIG. 12 . Part 204 is positioned adjacent the headof infant I and top portion 220 is positioned behind the neck of infantI. Bottom portion 222 is pulled to the front of infant I and looped downbeneath the legs of infant I, as shown in FIG. 13 . Part 204 isconfigured to hold overlay part 202 in place.

It will be understood that various modifications may be made to theembodiments disclosed herein. Therefore, the above description shouldnot be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplification of thevarious embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision othermodifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto.

I/We claim:
 1. A system for dressing an infant, comprising: an overlaypart having a top portion, wherein the top portion defines a cutoutconfigured to facilitate the overlay part lying flat against a neck andbeneath a chin of an infant, wherein the infant has a front and abottom; and a second layer having a top portion and a bottom portion,wherein the second layer is configured to stretch horizontally about theinfant as the top portion is positioned behind the neck of the infantand the bottom portion is pulled to the front of the infant and loopedbeneath the bottom of the infant to hold the overlay part in place. 2.The system of claim 1, wherein the overlay part has dimensions ofapproximately 15 inches by approximately 15 inches.
 3. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the second layer has dimensions of approximately 20inches by approximately 6 inches.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein theoverlay part is configured to be tucked underneath the infant when thecutout is positioned flat against the neck and beneath the chin of theinfant.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the overlay part and thesecond layer are made of a stretchable fabric to facilitate donning theinfant and providing a snug fit about the infant.
 6. A method ofdressing an infant, the method comprising the steps of: positioning anoverlay over the body of an infant, where the infant has a neck, a chin,a front, and a bottom, and where the overlay has top portion thatdefines a cutout, and the cutout facilitates the overlay lying flatagainst the neck and beneath the chin of the infant; and positioning asecond layer having a top portion and a bottom portion, wherein thesecond layer is configured to stretch horizontally about the infant,comprising positioning the top portion behind the neck of the infant andpulling the bottom portion to the front of the infant and looping thebottom portion beneath the bottom of the infant to hold the overlay partin place.
 7. The method of dressing an infant of claim 6, wherein theoverlay has dimensions of approximately 15 inches by approximately 15inches.
 8. The method of dressing an infant of claim 6, wherein thesecond layer has dimensions of approximately 20 inches by approximately6 inches.
 9. The method of dressing an infant of claim 6, wherein theoverlay has side edges, and further comprising tucking the side edges ofthe overlay underneath the infant.
 10. The method of dressing an infantof claim 6, wherein the overlay and the second layer are made of astretchable fabric to facilitate donning the infant and providing a snugfit about the infant.